Tariffs can create uncertainty across the fashion supply chain, impacting production costs, delivery timelines, and final pricing. Whether you’re a brand or a retailer, preparing early and adjusting your strategy can help minimize disruption and protect margins.
This guide outlines six tactical steps you can take on JOOR to navigate tariff shifts more confidently, strengthen your wholesale partnerships, and maintain business stability.
What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Matter?
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. While they can protect domestic industries, they also cause cost fluctuations for fashion companies that rely on global sourcing.
With recent U.S. tariff changes disproportionately affecting clothing and textiles, both brands and retailers may experience:
- Increased production or purchasing costs
- Shifts in consumer pricing
- Pressure to adjust sourcing strategies
- Changes in retailer buying behavior
Because tariff policies may evolve, staying proactive is essential.
1. Adjust Your Geographic Distribution
If a significant portion of your business depends on the U.S. market, or any region now facing tariff increases - redistributing risk is key.
For Brands
- Explore growth in regions less affected by tariffs, such as APAC or EMEA.
- Use JOOR Discover to identify new retail partners domestically or internationally.
- Apply location filters to target retailers in markets aligned with your revised strategy.
Result: More balanced distribution and reduced dependency on tariff-impacted regions.
Retailer Tip - Use Find New Brands and JOOR Passport shows to source new product categories or suppliers as tariffs alter your buying needs.
2. Highlight Available-to-Sell (ATS) Inventory
Inventory imported before tariffs take effect becomes more valuable since future production may be costlier.
For Brands
- Create a dedicated ATS linesheet so retailers can easily shop ready-to-ship styles at pre-tariff prices.
- Add delivery windows to clarify how quickly buyers will receive goods.
- Keep ATS quantities updated so retailers can make informed decisions.
Result: Increased visibility for inventory that is competitively priced and immediately shoppable.
Retailer Tip - Use the Hide Sold-Out Styles filter on shared linesheets to shop ATS products more efficiently.
3. Revisit Your Pricing Strategy Thoughtfully
Instead of raising prices across your entire assortment, take a strategic approach.
For Brands
Consider:
- Which categories have margin flexibility
- Where small adjustments won’t impact perceived value
- Whether to maintain pricing on core/everyday items while adjusting more trend-based SKUs
JOOR tools that can support your strategy:
- Multiple price lists for different retailers or regions
- Custom fees (e.g., surcharge to offset tariff costs)
- Volume discounts to encourage larger buys
Result: A pricing plan that keeps you competitive while protecting margin.
Retailer Tip - Look for opportunities to negotiate pricing, volume, or delivery windows—brands may be more flexible as they adjust to tariff changes.
4. Communicate Proactively With Partners
Tariffs create uncertainty, so frequent and transparent communication helps retailers feel supported and informed.
For Brands
Use JOOR’s communication tools to:
- Share updates directly through in-platform messaging
- Add tariff-related information or product guidance to your Brand Profile
- Create a custom Brand Profile page to highlight tariff-free items, alternate shipping options, or special assortments
Result: Stronger, more trusting relationships and fewer surprises for buyers.
Retailer Tip - Check Brand Profiles regularly for updates on shipping origins, inventory, and pricing changes.
5. Provide Clear Product Details to Support Buyer Decisions
In a tariff-sensitive environment, buyers rely heavily on accurate product information.
For Brands
Make sure your product listings reflect:
- Correct country of origin
- Accurate shipping warehouse location
- Updated materials and pricing
- Style Badges that identify tariff-free or tariff-reduced products
- Style Tags for filtering by country of origin
Result: Buyers can quickly identify cost-efficient options and shop more confidently.
Retailer Tip - Use filters (like Style Tags and Badges) to shop products by origin or tariff status.
6. Review and Adjust Payment Expectations
Financial flexibility can help maintain strong partnerships during periods of pricing pressure.
For Brands
You can use JOOR Pay to:
- Request deposits to help with cash flow if production costs increase
- Add custom fees to specific orders instead of adjusting all product pricing
- Support installment-based payment approaches aligned with buyer needs
Result: More stable financial planning while preserving long-term relationships.
Retailer Tip - Discuss payment expectations early—transparent conversations help both sides manage cash flow effectively.
How JOOR Supports You During Market Shifts
During periods of uncertainty, having reliable tools and strong partnerships is essential. JOOR provides both through:
- Global retailer and brand discovery tools
- Dynamic linesheet and pricing controls
- ATS and delivery-window visibility
- Flexible JOOR Pay options
- In-platform communication and profile customization
These capabilities help both brands and retailers remain agile, informed, and connected - no matter how the tariff landscape evolves.